Consular services

The Embassy’s Consular Section helps Finnish citizens in distress, assists with matters concerning services provided by Finnish authorities and the legal protection of private individuals, e.g. matters related to family law, and provides advice on official UK procedures and modes of operation.

Customer Service

Passport and notarial services (incl. residence permits): by online appointment Mondays at 10am–12noon and 2pm–4pm, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am–12noon, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm–4pm.

The Consular Section acts as the competent Finnish authority in matters such as passports, notary services and certain specific legal transactions, and advises non-Finnish citizens with entry permit matters. It also assists other Finnish authorities with citizenship, population register, military service and family law matters, and with arrangements for absentee voting.

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in Helsinki has a weekend telephone number for emergencies. The number is +358 9 1605 5555 (24/7).

Finnish Embassies and Consulates can do the following:

advise on how to transfer money through a bank or other money transfer company (such as Western Union),

transfer funds to help those in distress,

help victims of sudden illness, accidents and crimes so that they can get the medical care or other immediate assistance they need,

grant a temporary passport for repatriation (to replace a passport which is outdated or which has been lost, stolen or destroyed),

contact the insurance company in cases of sickness or death,

help those in distress or crisis situations, or those taken into custody, to get in touch with their next of kin

Finnish Embassies and Consulates cannot:

act contrary to the law of the land,

handle matters that fall within the purview of other authorities,

pay hotel, hospital or other bills, or pay fines or post bail,

pay the cost of engaging and using a lawyer or interpreter,

stand surety or make payment commitments,

act as a lawyer or legal advisor,

intervene in legal process or request any specific court ruling,

effect the release of an arrested or imprisoned person

Honorary Consuls

Honorary Consuls can provide advice and assistance with contacting local authorities or the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consular Section. The ways in which Honorary Consuls can help are limited. They cannot accept applications for passports or visas.